Emperor Rosko was born in Hollywood in 1942, son of film producer Joe Pasternak. (His real name is Michael Pasternak). He was educated in Paris, Switzerland Japan and California. He was particularly influenced by the KYA Los Angeles DJ Emperor Hudson and Wolfman Jack. Rosko's opportunity to broadcast came whilst in the US Navy where he presented show on a aircraft carrier. He then went to Europe and hosted sponsored programmes in France and Belgium. He joined Radio Caroline in 1966 where his pacey American style soon made him one of the station's best loved DJs. He then was heard on French language stations Radio Monte - Carlo and Radio Luxembourg. As a Disc Jockey with Radio 1 at its launch in 1967, Rosko initially recorded shows in France for 'Midday Spin'. On his first Midday Spin show at Radio One, Rosko introduced himself like so...."I am the Emperor....the geeter with the heater; your leader, your groovy host from the West coast, here to clear up your skin and mess up your mind. It'll make you feel good all over!!" He highlighted the new Motown, Reggae, and Rock music on his shows. John Dunn, BBC news presenter who followed Rosko's show must have had difficulty understanding some of Rosko's 'Jive Talk' when he announced "Now here is the News.......in English!" He moved to the UK in 1968, so was heard live on Radio 1. Along with DLT, he launched the first Mobile Discotheque, The Rosko International Roadshow. From 1970 he presented the Friday Roundtable where new records were reviewed by a panel, and a Saturday lunchtime slot. He stayed with Radio 1 until September 1976, when he left to join his Father in America who was suffering from ill health. When he returned to Europe, he was heard via recorded shows on Radio Luxembourg. In 1982 he returned to Radio 1 for a 13-week Sunday series of shows, and continued to broadcast at weekends on Radio 1 during the Summer for four years. In 1992 he helped celebrate the station's 25 years birthday with a special broadcast, before being heard on Virgin 1215 in April 1993. Keen music enthusiast Rosko is remembered for being a LOUD disk-jockey and continues with this style on his shows today. The Rosko Roadshow is alive and well in California. From 2001 to 2005 he was heard at weekends live from L.A. on English local radio stations 'Classic Gold Digital'.
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Midday Spin from BBC Studio 7th October 1967 You Lose I Win Gonna Blow my Mind feel Mighty Kind What's Your Story Morning Glory on BBC1 Clear Up your Skin and Mess Up Your Mind Radio 1 Club 4th March 1970 - Exeter Lots of Things to Say and Much More to Play Broadcasting to You, Baby! Time for a Bedtime Story It's What's Happening Saturday Rosko Show 3rd October 1970 - London Noel Intro to Rosko - Who 'Is In The Groove' "Much More Music Than Any Other Place" 48k "You're Looking All Right, Girl" 48k How to Join BBC Radio 1 Club 48k ************* Rosko show from 1970 (mp3) 32kbps Last Manchester Club show (1971) Copyright 1972 Trail for a Rosko show (year unknown) Rock and Roll is here to stay! (1973) Round Table intro theme used up to 1976 Last Round Table in 1976 (mp3) 32kbps ************* Fun Day - Live from Brands Hatch, August Bank Holiday 1977 Welcome to Brands Hatch Jingle which sounds like a Radio Luxembourg ditty! Kid Jensen complains about Simon Bates Noel Edmonds Expected to Win Emperor Rosko Jingle Doing it to You - All Afternoon Radio 1 Brings the Stars to You Chat with David Essex (4 mins) ************** Reflecting on 10 years of Radio 1 (1977) Rosko Show jingles selection 1988 Saturday Radio 1 Show Celebrating R1's 21st Birthday 1960's name Jingle NEW From London Town_jingle |